Chicago’s spoken-word community will have a night to gather, share original work and hear a featured performance when Write About Now Poetry brings its live show to Little Village this Friday.
The event will spotlight Brandon Alexander Williams, a poet, MC, author and educator whose work brings together spoken word, hip-hop, storytelling and lyricism. Williams has performed and taught around the country, released albums and books, and built a reputation for using language to make audiences feel and think.
The show will also make room for local voices. The open mic is open to all, and sign-ups begin when the doors open at 7:30 p.m. Organizers say spots are first come, first served, giving Chicago-area poets the chance to share original work alongside the featured performance.
Jeronimo Speaks will host the event, with DJ Manti handling the music. The show is scheduled to begin promptly at 8 p.m.
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“Don’t miss Brandon’s full featured set in Chicago.”
Williams’ background spans poetry, music and education. He was a Grant Wood Fellow and visiting instructor at the University of Iowa’s School of Music, and has worked with organizations and schools including L.Y.R.I.C., Mentoring Chicago, Fulfill the Dream Chicago and Maywood School District 89. He has also performed original on-air work with the Big Ten Network.
Apollo’s 2000, located at 2875 W. Cermak Road, adds a historic Chicago setting to the evening. The Little Village venue opened in 1917 as the Marshall Square Theatre and has hosted concerts and events for decades. It is a short walk from the Kedzie Pink Line station, and metered parking is available nearby. Rideshare options are also available.
Write About Now Poetry has built a following through its live events and poetry videos, connecting poets and audiences across the country. Friday’s Chicago show brings that format to a local stage, with a featured set and an open mic that welcomes community participation.
Tickets are available now through Eventbrite. The venue has a full bar. The event listing notes that tickets are nonrefundable.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: Write About Now Poetry Live in Chicago featuring Brandon Alexander Williams
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; show begins at 8 p.m.
Location: Apollo’s 2000, 2875 W. Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60608
